What is one of the most overrated terms in winter fishing, thinking its the term “ice lines”. its basically a hook to catch guys into buying expensive little spools of 50, 75 and 110 yd spools of line to spool up one or two reels. If you want a good line in a mono that won’t break the bank, get 2, 4, 6 or 8 lb Trilene XL in the regular sized spools for open water times. Its soft, doesn’t coil and great break strength. Even in my choice for braids, 5, 8, or 10 lb Power Pro, the regular sized spool in Moss Green. In most cases, your “Ice Lines” are repackaged versions of the so called warm water lines. If you want a high vis line, Stren Gold/Hi-Vis Yellow, again in the filler sized spool. One box of 2 lb did my 4 Power Noodles for gills, one box of 4 lb did my other four for crappie. 7 bucks a box/spool. Throw on a little more backing than I did, and you get a few more reels spooled up with the same box.
There is only one type of line that I have found that doesn’t perform well in really cold conditions and that is basically any brand that sells a fluorocarbon coated line. That coating will peel off eventually, which makes your line look like its fraying. If you want a fc line, then buy an 100% fc line.
The only rule you need to follow is this, mono for outside, braid if you like the comfort of a shack with heater. Ok, take that back, second rule you need to follow, choose a line that will be straight with the type/weight/size of jigs that you are using. 6 lb mono will keep a curl on a size 12 or 4 mm jig. Keep it balanced, and you’ll get it right.
